As we go into the final week of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, please do all you can to find some special time to fast and pray. As we know, nothing of lasting significance happens without prayer, and as fast we make our body intentionally hungry so we hunger for God.

It's not a coincidence that Vision Sunday (this Sunday) takes place within these 21 Days. I will be giving a special message at all our congregations about Encounter and Expansion that I'd love us all to praying about this week as we look to the year ahead with faith and expectation. If you're unable to be in church this Sunday, please do listen to the message online in the coming week. The Lord has good plans for us in 2017 - as individuals, families and a church - and wants to prepare us and encourage us.

Thank you to all who came to last night's second Encountering God Together evening in St Michael le Belfrey Church. It was really good to pray for the United States (with the new President taking office today), for the upcoming Alpha course (beginning on 15th Feb), for our Belfrey Groups (to be places of support and encounter) and for the 18-30's weekend away (this weekend). Around 140 young adults will be at Wydale Hall this weekend for worship, seminars and to grow in friendship and love. Let's be praying for a wonderful weekend for everyone.

This coming Thursday (26th Jan) is our third and final Encountering God Together session before we return to our Belfrey Groups meeting as normal in homes. I do hope you will be able to join us on Thursday as we spend further time in prayer and worship and as we look at the inspirational story of Jacob's first encounter with the Lord (in Genesis 28).

As we seek the Lord together, may you and your family know and encounter the presence of our loving God this coming week.